A Kinder, Gentler Immigration Policy

AUTHOR(S)

Bhagwati, Jagdish; Rivera-Batiz, Francisco

PUB. DATE

November 2013

SOURCE

Foreign Affairs;Nov/Dec2013, Vol. 92 Issue 6, p9

SOURCE TYPE

Periodical

DOC. TYPE

Article

ABSTRACT

The article looks at U.S. immigration policy, as of 2013. The authors look at proposals for a comprehensive immigration reform law, suggesting that policies such as a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants already in the U.S. and stricter border enforcement would be unlikely to significantly reduce future illegal immigration. They suggest shifting immigration policy decisions from the federal to the state level, saying states that are more welcoming to illegal immigrants will see economic benefits, ultimately leading to improved policies nationwide. Topics include the views of U.S. labor unions on immigration, deportation of illegal immigrants, and immigrant smugglers.